Your trip across Tashkent will be incomplete without a trip to the Hazrati Imam complex. This is not just a single large mosque but instead is a collection of multiple buildings. Located in the old part of Tashkent the main building managed to survive the 1966 devastating Tashkent earthquake. This place is also known as the Khast Imam Complex.
What To See At Hazrati Imam Complex
Hazrati Imam Mosque
The main attraction out here is the Hazrati Imam Mosque. Don’t be surprised if you come to know that this is not a historic mosque but instead a newly built mosque. Built-in the year 2007 with the patronage of the first President of Uzbekistan – Islam Karimov. The exterior of the mosque has been designed to replicate the traditional historic mosques in this region, and the interiors are equally eye-catching with beautiful carpets and woodwork.
Muyi Muborak Madrasah
This is a small building located right behind the Hazrati Imam Mosque, and even though it is small in size, this place houses the most precious artefact in this complex. This place is a small museum of sorts, a gallery of books, and the most important thing to see out here is the Koran of Osman. This is no ordinary Quran but is the Tashkent Quran which was written around the 8th – 9th century in Kufic script. This is one of the oldest Qurans in the world, and one can see it on display. Pages from which are also displayed across various prominent galleries and museums across the globe.
Note that this place requires a ticket to enter, and photography and videography are strictly prohibited inside. Apart from the oldest Quran, one can see a variety of collections of Quran, from small to miniature, and Quran from across the world written in various languages.
Tillya Sheikh Mosque
Located right next to the Muyi Muborak Madrasah, this mosque was constructed by Tillya Sheikh who was a rich merchant from Tashkent. Construction of the mosque was started around 1890, and by 1903 it was completed.
Barakhan Madrasah
This madrasah is located opposite side of Hazrati Imam Mosque (behind). This is located at the end of the huge courtyard that is behind Hazrati Imam Mosque where in the middle you will see Muyi Muborak Madrasah.
This was built by Nauruz Ahmed Khan, who was also known by the name Bara Khan was one of the great grandsons of Mirzo Ulugh Beg. The building was constructed around 1550, originally this place housed two mausoleums, one that of Nauruz Ahmed Khan’s father and the other of a cleric.
The front facade of this building has been constructed in the typical style that you will find in these regions with a decorated huge gate and two small domes on either side.
Once you go past the gate, you will find a small courtyard that now caters mostly to tourists with several shops lining the courtyard.
Mausoleum of Saint Abu Bakr Kaffal Shashi
Born into a family of locksmiths’ Kaffal Shashi was a scholar who had traveled across the Islamic world and later became a spiritual leader. He was very much revered in this region, and upon his death, a mausoleum was built. The original structure did not survive and was rebuilt around the 16th century. He was also known as Hazrati Imam, from which we get the name Hazrati Imam Complex.
Islamic Civilization Center
When I was in Tashkent in the year 2023 this place was still under construction. This place is set to become a center of Islamic studies and will house a museum, galleries, and library.
How To Visit Hazrati Imam Complex
We took a taxi ride (Yandex) from our hotel which seems to be the quickest option. There is ample parking space so if you are coming with a rental car then it can be parked here. This place is well connected by bus services also. This place is located around two kilometres from Chorsu Bazar and if you have the energy you can simply walk down.
Tips
Dress appropriately when coming here, as you will be entering mosques thus it’s important to dress as per the local custom. I have seen many mosques in Uzbekistan keep long robes for visitors so you can use these to cover up when entering the mosque.
Location Of Hazrati Imam Complex On Map
Vlog Of Hazrati Imam Complex
Other Blogs On Tashkent
Chorsu Bazar
Monument Of Courage Tashkent
Memorial Square Tashkent
Lal Bahadur Shastri Monument Tashkent
Resources
Madain Project
Travel Uzbekistan
Asian Historical Architecture